Book Nook Cafe discussion

Here is the Folder to tell us what your monthly reads for December 2022 were. ⛄❄⛄

Please provide:
~ A GoodReads link
~ A few sentences telling us how you felt about the book.
~ How would you rate the book

Here are my books read in December ❄📚❄

Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Non Fiction
Rate: 3/5- Good
Tyson explains why society would be better off if we behaved more like scientists. This is a relatively quick read and very readable. The book covers a wide range of topics including, religion, politics, gambling, gender, vegetarians, our judicial system, race and more. I found the book to be thought provoking and entertaining. I would recommend it

The Magical Language of Others by E.J. Koh
Fiction
Rate: 2/5- Fell below expectations
I generally prefer a linear timeline. This one was all over the place. I think if I was Korean and understood better their culture, history and philosophy of life, I could have understood the actions taken in the book better.

When Koh is 15 years old, her parents decide to move back to S. Korea for a better job position. They sign a contract for 2 years and leave Koh in the care of her 19 year old brother who is in college. The two years turn into nine as they keep signing contracts for more years.

Needless to say the author feels abandoned by her parents. (Trigger warning for eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and war atrocities and self harm ) Sections of the story are told through her mothers 49 letters which are written in Korean. Scans of the original letters are included in the chapters. I think this does add authenticity to the story.

I found the first half of the book difficult to get into the flow and structure of the book. The second half was better. I decided to give the book 2 stars. That is, it is good but it did not meet my expectations. However, I do think this book would appeal to people familiar with Korean culture and also those who like a more poetic style of writing.

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country by Amanda Gorman
Poetry
I listened to the Audio book read by author and followed along with the eBook
Rate: 5/5 - Excellent
Amanda Gorman was the youngest poet, at age 22 to deliver a poetry reading at a presidential inauguration.
This slender 32 page book contains the inspiring poem she read at President Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021. I especially like seeing her perform them which you can find on YouTube. I think even people who don't care for poetry will find her renditions of her poems very powerful.

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
Fiction
Rate: 3 minus -
I was really looking forward to reading this as I enjoyed Everything I Never Told You and Little Fires Everywhere.

The premise for this dystopian novel is really interesting. There is a "crisis". It's a bit vague, but apparently some trade war with China has led to an authoritarian police state in the United States. Anyone who is Asian is suspected of being Anti- American. Laws such as the Preserving American Culture and Traditions Act (PACT) are passed. Among other things, like pulping books deemed Un-American, this law allows the government to remove children from parents who are suspected of being subversive

Unfortunately, after a really strong start the book lost traction for me. A large middle section of the novel is one character telling another what happened. This backstory drop really slowed the pace of the book.

All that said, I think the novel is thought provoking. I almost gave it 2 stars as it didn't meet my expectations for this author. But I think the message is important and I do like her prose. So I gave it 3/5 stars.

Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control by Ryan Holiday
Non Fiction
Audio Book - Read by Author
Rate: 5/5 Excellent
Holiday writes about the philosophy espoused by the stoics. This is book 2 in his Stoic Virtue series: Courage, Temperance, Justice and Wisdom.

Ryan discusses how various famous people are examples of the temperance/discipline philosophy. He uses a variety of people to bring home his points. He discusses: Lou Gehrig, Queen Elizabeth II, boxer Floyd Patterson, Toni Morrison, Theodore Roosevelt, Angela Merkel, Jimmy Carter, Martha Graham, Joyce Carol Oates and many more. He also used some people as cautionary tales. For example, Babe Ruth and King George IV.

I found the book motivating, so much so that I purchased a eBook copy to re-read. I think this may be a love or hate it type book. If discipline is a virtue you would like to cultivate, read this book for inspiration.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Fiction
Rate: 5/5 Excellent
What is there to say. This Christmas classic is just perfect.

Sh*tshow by Richard Russo
Fiction- Short Story
Rate: 4/5 Above my expectations.
A darkly humous story that takes place after the election of Donald Trump. Friendships and marriages become strained. One homeowner seemingly is targeted for her political beliefs. Well, written as always from Russo.

What a mixed reading month, Alias. The last two novels made up for the disappointing ones, at least. Leave it to Russo, eh? Great ending to '22.

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my books read in December ❄📚❄

Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization by [author:Ne..."

Very interesting commentary! 👍

Here are my books ...


Dr. Mütter's Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz ⭐⭐⭐⭐


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Crime at Christmas by C.H.B. Kitchin ⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


The Starlings of Bucharest by Sarah Armstrong ⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Black Lamb and Grey Falcon by Rebecca West ⭐⭐⭐


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

by Susan Meissner
4 Stars
I enjoyed this one. I thought it was fast paced and I was anxious to see what was going to happen next. There was a small plot twist at the end, but I was expecting more.


by Jennifer Hillier
4 Stars
I enjoyed how the story wrapped everything up, but wasn't too surprised by the bit of plot twist that it had. I had kind of predicted that earlier on. I think the only negative I have is that sometimes it would go back and forth in time and I'd forget where the chapter was originally at. But overall it was a really good book.


by Cindy Bell
4 Stars
This was a cute, quick read. It was perfect for the holidays. I think I'll check out the beginning of the series and maybe one of the author's other cozy mystery series.


by Emily Giffin
4 Stars
This was a fast paced read. I was expecting a twist, though, and was a bit disappointed at the ending. This is the first book of hers I've read.


by Rebekah Crane
5 Stars
I really enjoyed this one. Normally I don't really care for romance type books, but this one didn't overdo it and the romance parts had humor thrown in with them.

in december 2022 i have read:
i capture the castle (3/5)
maybe this christmas (5/5)
can you keep a secret? (4/5)
my brilliant friend (4/5)
tornatrás (4/5)
the crocodile’s method (4/5)
a good girl’s guide to murder (5/5)
the gold coast (1/5)

in december 2022 i have read:
i capture the castle
maybe this christmas
can you keep a secret?
my brilliant friend
tornatrás
the crocodile’s method
a good girl’s guide to murder
the gold coast

Here are my December Reads :)

I Am a Cat
This was a fun combination of sweet and satirical, based in Japan in the early 1900s. My only real critique is that it's quite long (*it was originally published as short stories in the weekly paper, so that likely explains the length).

Sankofa
This was my favorite for the month: a fictional novel set mostly in Africa, in the small country of Bamana (*which is a fictional country as of 2022, but a quick google search shows it was once an Empire in current-day Mali - So I'm unsure if the "history" mentioned in the book is based off of the original empire or not). Either way, it was a wonderful story and brought in issues such as race, belonging, family dynamics, and more.

The Beautiful Ones
I chose this one because I loved Silvia Moreno-Garcia's other novel Mexican Gothic. I didn't realize it was more of a straight-up romance novel (not at all my type of book), but I enjoyed her writing at least.

The Unexpected President: The Life and Times of Chester A. Arthur
I had to put this one on pause... It's not my typical genre and I think I need to be in a different mindset to finish it. I did enjoy the author's style of writing and ability to make presidential history interesting.

A Christmas Carol
Such a great classic (that I'd somehow never read!); I listened to the audio, which was quite good.

Lindsey wrote: "Here are my December Reads :)

I Am a Cat
This was a fun combination of sweet and satirical, based in Japan in the early 1900s. My only real critique is that it's quite long (*it was o..."

An interesting assortment!

John wrote: "Here are my books ...


Dr. Mütter's Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz ⭐⭐⭐⭐


I read this book a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Dr. Mütter's Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz
https://www.go..."

John wrote: "Here are my books ...


Dr. Mütter's Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"

I haven't read the Dr. Mutter book, but I recommended it to a friend of mine. I knew she would enjoy it and she did.

A solid reading month for you, John

~*Kim*~ wrote: "
by Susan Meissner
4 Stars
I enjoyed this one. I thought it was fast paced and I was anxious to see what was going to happen next. T..."

Wow ! All 4 and 5 star books. Congratulations on such a terrific reading month.

sofii wrote: "in december 2022 i have read:
i capture the castle
maybe this christmas
can you keep a secret?
my brilliant friend
tornatrás
the crocodile’s method
a good girl’s guide to murder
the gold coast"

Wow! 16 books in one month.

Lindsey wrote: "The Unexpected President: The Life and Times of Chester A. Arthur.."

I've put it on my TBR for my Presidential Challenge. This challenge is a life long challenge to read at least one bio or memoir of each U.S. president.

Deb and I are doing this challenge. T he challenge can be found in the Determination Lists & Challenges Folder.

Here's mine.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Here is debs
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

John wrote: "Here are my books ...
FROM THE FIRST REVIEW: "At a suffragette exhibit at a museum in London, I asked a woman attendee how someone could possibly object to expanding voting, receiving a reply that it's impossible to rationalize irrationality..."

Wonderful reply! I'm glad you shared that, as well as your other reviews. As usual, i like your comments about books i've not seen previously, John. It adds to my TBR but gladly so.

And i appreciate that you note the differences in books when they seem one genre but are more an associated one. Mystery-Thriller can be close but i'm not in love with the latter.

Glad you shared here, John.

~*Kim*~ wrote: "
by Susan Meissner
4 Stars
I enjoyed this one. I thought it was fast paced and I was anxious to see what was going to happen next. T..."

You had a good reading month, Kim. Thanks for sharing about each, as i got a flavor for which i would like & which not-so-much.

sofii wrote: "in december 2022 i have read:
i capture the castle (3/5)
maybe this christmas (5/5)
can you keep a secret? (4/5)
my brilliant friend (4/5)
tornatrás (4/5)
the crocodile’s method (4/5)
a good girl’s..."

The best news is that you mostly had winners for your reward. Thanks for sharing your list.

Lindsey wrote: "Here are my December Reads :)

I Am a Cat
This was a fun combination of sweet and satirical, based in Japan in the early 1900s. My only real critique is that it's quite long (*it was o..."

Good month for you, it seems, Lindsey. I agree on your assessment of the Chester Arthur book or any presidential bio. One must be in the right frame of mind. When not, it just doesn't "click" and becomes a chore, which is always a shame. I read Greenberger's book, too, but was unhappy with his short shrift of his wife, Ellen.

Five books this month. And i didn't finish The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World--Peter Wohlleben, due to time constraints.

The One-Minute Workout: Science Shows a Way to Get Fit That's Smarter, Faster, Shorter--Martin Gibala. I liked it & learned plenty on the science of exercise. Sadly, i injured myself on an exercise bike my second attempt, so will try again in '23.

The Chessmen--Peter May. The mystery is fine but the description of western Scotland is outstandingly good.

Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic--John De Graaf, David Wann and one other guy. Fascinating info but dated because i came to the book late. I wish they'd offered more remedies on a personal and national level.

The Divorce Colony: How Women Revolutionized Marriage and Found Freedom on the American Frontier--April White. Neat look at US divorce history but mostly about Sioux Falls, South Dakota (& other Dakotan cities) and their legislative bodies. Each chapter is about one woman who arrived with hopes of attaining a divorce. My daughter recommended this one to me because she was too busy to read it. And i did.

Prairie Fever: British Aristocrats in the American West 1830-1890--Peter Pagnamenta. Interesting look at how British approached this part of the US. Initially seen as a sporting playground, it later was viewed with an eye for enterprising opportunities, often failed.

madrano wrote: "Five books this month. And i didn't finish The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World--Peter Wohlleben, due to ..."

Solid choices, well reported! My mom liked Affluenza, but I fear it's one I wouldn't finish.

Alias Reader wrote: "Here are my books read in December

Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization..."

Thanks for the recommendation of Starry Messanger, Alias! I've added it.

I'm also reading a Dickens Christmas story, The Cricket on the Hearth.

John wrote: "Here are my books ......"

John, I have Black Lamb and Grey Falcon 1 of 3 sitting on my bookshelf. I'm glad you read it and mentioned it here. It's a good reminder to give it a try. It's quite a daunting read.

The only book I can recall reading this month is The September Pope: The Final Days of John Paul I. It was good, but more a recitation of facts than a story. Still, that's what I wanted, the truth as opposed to some contrived conspiracy theory.

I had so much to do this month that I neglected my reading out of necessity. I hope to catch up in 2023.

madrano wrote: Five books this month. And i didn't finish The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World--Peter Wohlleben, due to time constraints.

The One-Minute Workout: Science Shows a Way to Get Fit That's Smarter, Faster, Shorter--Martin Gibala. I liked it & learned plenty on the science of exercise. Sadly, i injured myself on a
n exercise bike my second attempt, so will try again in '23.

Deb, I look forward to your review of Trees when you finish it.

I'm so sorry to hear you hurt yourself. I hope you are better and can get on track with your exercise program in 2023.

Petra wrote: "
Thanks for the recommendation of Starry Messanger, Alias! I've added it.

I'm also reading a Dickens Christmas story, The Cricket on the Hearth..."

You're welcome, Petra.

One can never go wrong with Dickens during the holidays. Enjoy!

Kiki wrote: "The only book I can recall reading this month is The September Pope: The Final Days of John Paul I. It was good, but more a recitation of facts than a story. Still, that's what I wa..."

Life happens, Kiki. I hope you have some extra time for pleasure reading in January.

John wrote: "Solid choices, well reported! My mom liked Affluenza, but I fear it's one I wouldn't finish...."

It was daunting. First of all, i'm not into the economy very much. Fortunately it wasn't exactly about financing, banking and such, other than the way they help encourage over-consuming. Still, the last part of the book was a drag because it provided a list of organizations rather than many examples. Most readers could find those on their own. It took me much longer than anticipated. Then again, that's why it was on my Challenge list.

Kiki wrote: "The only book I can recall reading this month is The September Pope: The Final Days of John Paul I. It was good, but more a recitation of facts than a story. Still, that's what I wa..."

I would prefer some story, rather than merely facts for Popes, too. A person could read a Vatican history book & get a list of facts! It's the human behind the name that calls to readers, imo.

Alias Reader wrote: "Deb, I look forward to your review of Trees when you finish it.

I'm so sorry to hear you hurt yourself. I hope you are better and can get on track with your exercise program in 2023.
..."

Will keep you posted on Trees. I am going to read a fresh book to begin the New Year, then back to it.

Re my pain. There is a soreness and scab that will not go away with it, which means i can only wear certain shoes. Annoying but soon i anticipate fully recovery, so i can catch up.

sofii wrote: "in december 2022 i have read:

my brilliant friend (4/5)..."

I enjoyed the first three books of this series. I still have the final book to look forward to.
Do you plan on continuing the series, Sofii?

Alias Reader wrote: "Kiki wrote: "The only book I can recall reading this month is The September Pope: The Final Days of John Paul I. It was good, but more a recitation of facts than a story. Still, tha..."

Thank you, Alias. I think I will. I've whittled my work down a lot, and I'm not traveling any longer.

Happy New Year to you and all BNC members. May we all enjoy a terrific year in books!

madrano wrote: "Kiki wrote: "The only book I can recall reading this month is The September Pope: The Final Days of John Paul I. It was good, but more a recitation of facts than a story. Still, tha..."

Thank you, Madrano.

The author did tell us many tidbits about the personal life of the late Pope John Paul I, Madrano, such as the fact that the nuns who cooked for him always left a cup of coffee for him in a particular place every morning. The late pope liked to enjoy a cup of coffee first thing on arising, even before his morning prayers in his personal chapel. That's how they suspected something was wrong. Hours passed, and the coffee was still where the nuns had left it. The pope had not picked it up, so one of the nuns went into his room, then called his personal secretaries.

The author's intent was to get the truth out and dispel the rumors, so the book is filled with actual documents in an appendix.

Others might not find it as dry as I did, though I still liked it and enjoyed reading it. I liked learning that the pope was always smiling and was known as "The Smiling Pope." I also felt very sad that he passed away at such a relatively young age. He seemed such a humble and compassionate man.

Happy New Year, Madrano, and Happy New Year to all BNC members. I hope 2023 is filled with health and great books for all of us!

Kiki wrote: "Happy New Year to you and all BNC members. May we all enjoy a terrific year in books!
.."

A Very Happy New Year to you, too, Kiki !

Kiki, thanks for fleshing out Pope John Paul I for us. What a bittersweet story about the coffee.

And thanks to all here for the great wishes for 2023. Right back at ya!

madrano wrote: "Kiki, thanks for fleshing out Pope John Paul I for us. What a bittersweet story about the coffee.

And thanks to all here for the great wishes for 2023. Right back at ya!"

Thank you Alias and Madrano. There were several very poignant things regarding the late Pope in the book that made his passing even sadder than before I read about them.

There are even comments from his family in the book, from his brother and sister and his nieces.

I imagine being related to a Pope must be humbling for the family, particularly siblings. Its neat that they were included in the book.

Until I heard it on the news the other day, I didn't know that Benedict XVI was know as the Green Pope. He installed solar panels on the Vatican among other things.


https://aleteia.org/2019/09/14/why-po...

There are many things I didn't know about Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul I. I think I did know about the solar panels.

I would love to be related to a pope. His relatives sometimes had dinner with him in the papal apartment. That is something not many ever get to do.

This Wiki article-- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Be... --also shared his fashion sense. Apparently he brought back into use some papal wearables which hadn't been used in decades, such as the red papal shoes. Who knew? (Mention is halfway down or so.)

madrano wrote: "This Wiki article-- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Be... --also shared his fashion sense. Apparently he brought back into use some papal wearables which hadn't been used in decades, such..."

Pope St. John Paul II also wore red shoes, I think as did Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Tell Wiki! LOL--they seemed to think Benedict reached waaay back for those shoes. Back of the Papal Closet sort of back.

madrano wrote: "Tell Wiki! LOL--they seemed to think Benedict reached waaay back for those shoes. Back of the Papal Closet sort of back."

They need to do a little more research.

After reading your comment, i clicked on the "red shoes" link in the article & learned what you shared. Also, that the red shoes have changed decoration over the years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_s...

My favorite photo of Benedict is with the red Romano Cappello (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappell...)

Hello everyone. I did read one book in December called Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean.

I wrote a very, very detailed review on it, so you can check that out if you want more on how I felt about it.

Long story short, I really didn't care for it. While it did have a great romance between the main character's parents, a great first chapter, a seamless incorporation of the main character's goals with her princess duties, and a kind of fun and interesting bodyguard character named Akio, it just had way too many things that bugged the heck out of me. There are so many plot holes, character inconsistencies, cultural inaccuracies, aspects that should've really been explored but weren't, things that were incredibly unbelievable and bizarre, and so on. I am curious to see if the sequel makes improvements, but I'm not rushing to read it.

I’d like to share my review of my last five star read of 2022 for “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by debut author Shelby Van Pelt.

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Simon wrote: "I’d like to share my review of my last five star read of 2022 for “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by debut author Shelby Van Pelt.

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Nice review, Simon. Thanks for sharing.

madrano wrote: "After reading your comment, i clicked on the "red shoes" link in the article & learned what you shared. Also, that the red shoes have changed decoration over the years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wik..."

Nice photo, Madrano. I like to see him smiling and presumably happy.

Simon wrote: "I’d like to share my review of my last five star read of 2022 for “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by debut author Shelby Van Pelt.

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Simon, I also read and enjoyed Remarkably Bright Creatures.

Because of that book I put -The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery on my TBR list.

synopsis
In pursuit of the wild, solitary, predatory octopus, popular naturalist Sy Montgomery has practiced true immersion journalism. From New England aquarium tanks to the reefs of French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico, she has befriended octopuses with strikingly different personalities—gentle Athena, assertive Octavia, curious Kali, and joyful Karma. Each creature shows her cleverness in myriad ways: escaping enclosures like an orangutan; jetting water to bounce balls; and endlessly tricking companions with multiple “sleights of hand” to get food.

Scientists have only recently accepted the intelligence of dogs, birds, and chimpanzees but now are watching octopuses solve problems and are trying to decipher the meaning of the animal’s color-changing techniques. With her “joyful passion for these intelligent and fascinating creatures” (Library Journal Editors’ Spring Pick), Montgomery chronicles the growing appreciation of this mollusk as she tells a unique love story. By turns funny, entertaining, touching, and profound, The Soul of an Octopus reveals what octopuses can teach us about the meeting of two very different minds.

My December reads were:

The Crow Witch and Other Conjurings by Catherine Cavendish - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

You Belong to Me and Other True Cases by Ann Rule - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Lost to the Lake by Anna Willett - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Sallow Bend by Alan Baxter - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

One Star by Amy Cross - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Ghosts of Marsh House by Amy Cross - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Beauty Queen Killer by Mark Quarry - 3 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Justified by C.M. Sutter - 4 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Institute by Stephen King - 5 stars.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

That is my wrap up for December. :)